Projects
An insight into the projects driving knowledge, innovation and resilience in our islands.
Explore a list of the team’s respective publications or scroll down to look at some of the project reports we have completed.
2026
Cook Islands Public Service Health and Wellbeing Survey
Client: Office of the Public Service Commissioner · Year: 2025
Te Puna Vai Mārama supported the development, administration and analysis of the 2026 Public Service Employee Engagement Survey for the Office of the Public Service Commissioner. TPVM managed the final analysis and reporting and worked with OPSC to review the findings before publication. For the first time the survey combines the Leadership and Management survey and Health and Wellbeing survey into one. The survey provided insights into public sector employee engagement, wellbeing and satisfaction.
Combined Employee Engagement Survey, 2025–2026
Client: Office of the Public Service Commissioner Year: 2026
Te Puna Vai Mārama reviewed and redesigned the Office of the Public Service Commissioner’s Public Sector Employee Engagement Survey. We reviewed existing surveys, consulted government agencies and stakeholders about information needs, developed a consolidated survey instrument and prepared an implementation plan. TPVM also supported the survey rollout and analysis.
Capacity Assessment for Office of the Prime Minister
Client: Office of the Prime Minister Year: 2026
Te Puna Vai Mārama conducted an eight-week rapid capacity assessment of the Office of the Prime Minister, reviewing current capacity, core functions and areas for strengthening. The assessment included a particular focus on ICT shared services and the alignment of Climate Change Cook Islands with wider government priorities. We provided recommendations to support strategic adjustments and future capacity development.
Review of the Pacific Week of Agriculture and Forestry, 2025–2026
Client: The Pacific Community · Year: 2026
Te Puna Vai Mārama conducted an evaluation of the Pacific Week of Agriculture and Forestry, assessing its relevance, value, regional architecture and opportunities for improvement. The evaluation used surveys and one-on-one interviews alongside an evaluation framework co-designed with the Pacific Community.
GEF 8 Project RESPONSE: Gender and Social Safeguard Advisor
Client: National Environment Service · Year: 2026
Te Puna Vai Mārama was engaged as the Gender and Social Safeguarding Adviser for Project RESPONSE, which supports a transition away from single-use plastics in the Cook Islands. TPVM conducted a Social Safeguarding Risk Assessment, developed a corresponding Risk Management Plan, and prepared a Gender Action Plan to embed gender equality, social inclusion and safeguarding throughout project design and implementation.
Writing Retreat 2026: Tuatau Tātā
Client: DEVNet · Year: 2026
The 2026 writing retreat, funded by DevNet Aotearoa, was hosted by Te Puna Vai Mārama on 19–20 August at Muri Beach Club. The retreat brought together 16 participants from research, government, NGOs and other sectors, providing dedicated time and structured work blocks to progress writing and research projects. Participants made tangible progress across a range of outputs, including journal manuscripts, policy reviews, thesis chapters, funding applications and reports.
Read the report
Exit Survey Redesign
Client: Office of the Public Service Commissioner · Year: 2026
Te Puna Vai Mārama reviewed and redesigned the Cook Islands Office of the Public Service Commissioner’s employee Exit Survey. We streamlined the survey process, refined the questions and developed a proposed workflow to support more consistent administration and communication throughout the employee exit process.
Atiu Nui Maruarua: an island and its houses
Funder: Tupaia Grant | Pacific Academy of Sciences · Year: 2026-2027
Atiu Nui Maruarua is an ethnographic project examining contemporary Atiu governance and community networks beyond the home island of Atiu (Enuamanu). It traces the history and role of four Atiu buildings—meeting halls and community gathering places—located in Rarotonga, Auckland, Papeete, and Atiu itself, collectively known as Atiu Nui Maruarua (I–IV). Mobilised through Atiu leadership and cultural practice, these buildings function as key nodes in a diasporic network extending beyond Atiu and the Cook Islands since the late twentieth century. Using oral history and photo essay methods, the project will be a key study in the persistence of Indigenous governance and cultural continuity amid post-war decolonization in the region, and ongoing depopulation following Cook Islands self-government in 1965. By reframing emigration, the project will explore how Atiu peoples have imbued the meeting house with aspects of familial, social, and cultural meaning. The research will result in a book and a public website.
2025
Redrafting of Constitution
Client: Cook Islands National Youth Council· Year: 2025
Te Puna Vai Mārama worked with the Cook Islands National Youth Council to restructure and refine its organisational constitution. Working from an existing draft, TPVM supported CINYC leaders to clarify the organisation’s constitutional rules, membership eligibility, mission and values.
Survey of Contraception Use Among Women in the Cook Islands
Year: 2025
Te Puna Vai Mārama conducted a national online survey exploring contraception use and access among women of reproductive age in the Cook Islands. The survey ran from November to December 2024 and received 262 valid responses. One key finding was that almost one-third of respondents had accessed contraception overseas, highlighting the importance of understanding access to reproductive health services both locally and abroad.
Identifying, Prioritising and Filling Agency Vacancies
Client: Office of the Public Service Commissioner· Year: 2025
Te Puna Vai Mārama worked with the Office of the Public Service Commissioner to identify and prioritise critical workforce vacancies across eight Cook Islands Government agencies. We compiled and scored vacancy data, conducted interviews with Heads of Ministry, analysed recruitment challenges and developed evidence-based recommendations. The project produced a ranked list of priority vacancies to support more targeted recruitment and workforce planning.
Q-Methodologies to Explore Perceptions of the Limits of Tourism and Seabed Mining
Partner: Griffith University · Year: 2025
Te Puna Vai Mārama worked with Griffith University to explore Cook Islands community perspectives on tourism and seabed mining using Q-Methodology, a structured mixed-method approach for examining viewpoints and attitudes. TPVM led community consultations, contributed to reviewing the analysis and co-authored publications arising from the research.
Assessing Digital and Financial Literacy in the Cook Islands
Client: UNCDF · Year: 2025
Te Puna Vai Mārama conducted a national assessment of digital and financial literacy, with a particular focus on women, people with disabilities and micro, small and medium-sized enterprises. We designed and administered surveys both online and in person across Rarotonga, Atiu and Mangaia, collecting data to establish a stronger evidence base on digital and financial access in the Cook Islands.
GEF Project ENUA: Gender Expert
Client: National Environment Service · Year: 2025
Te Puna Vai Mārama supported the National Environment Service to strengthen gender mainstreaming within the implementation of GEF7 Project ENUA. TPVM developed a comprehensive Gender Action Plan, facilitated gender training for key stakeholders and implementing partners, and provided ongoing advice and review on gender safeguards and mainstreaming.
Integrated Biobehavioural Survey of HIV Risk in Fiji (Phase One)
Client: UNFPA· Year: 2025
Te Puna Vai Mārama supported the first phase of an integrated biobehavioural survey examining HIV risk and related health needs in Fiji. Our work included developing the inception report and field manual, supporting research protocols and training Fiji-based data collectors, and completing the first phase of field data collection in Suva.
Tonga Reproductive, Maternal, Neonatal, Child and Adolescent Health Policy and Cost Implementation Plan
Client: UNFPA · Year: 2025
Te Puna Vai Mārama contributed to the development of a reproductive, maternal, neonatal, child and adolescent health policy, strategy and costed implementation plan for Tonga. TPVM supported the drafting of the policy and strategy and contributed to developing an implementation approach focused on improving health outcomes for women and children.
Cook Islands Public Service Health and Wellbeing Survey
Client: Office of the Public Service Commissioner · Year: 2025
Te Puna Vai Mārama supported the administration and analysis of the 2025 Public Service Employee Health and Wellbeing Engagement Survey for the Office of the Public Service Commissioner. TPVM managed the final analysis and reporting and worked with OPSC to review the findings before publication. The survey provided insights into public sector employee engagement, wellbeing and satisfaction.
Community Insights on Single-Use Plastics in the Cook Islands
Client: National Environment Service · Year: 2025
Te Puna Vai Mārama analysed data from the National Environment Service’s survey on single-use plastics, conducted as part of Project RESPONSE. Our work included data cleaning, compilation and analysis, followed by report writing to establish baseline information for project planning. The survey indicated that while communities were aware of the impacts of single-use plastics, further support and resources were needed to enable change.
2024
Strengthening Gender Outcomes in Pacific COVID-19 Response and Recovery
Client: · Year: 2024
Te Puna Vai Mārama examined gender and employment opportunities within the Cook Islands aviation sector and related supply chains. We interviewed aviation industry leaders about gender-related gaps and opportunities and collected, analysed and disaggregated workforce data by gender. The research highlighted the concentration of women in traditionally female roles alongside the presence of women in a number of senior management positions.
Strengthening, Building Capacity and Resilience in Climate Change Cook Islands to Adapt to the Impacts of Climate Change
Client: Climate Change Cook Islands · Year: 2024
Te Puna Vai Mārama conducted a human capacity needs assessment for Climate Change Cook Islands. We reviewed the organisation’s structure and policies and gathered information through staff interviews to identify capacity gaps, barriers and opportunities. The resulting work included recommendations for an engagement strategy, a draft organisational structure and a capacity-building plan.
Opinion Poll on the Deep-Seabed Mining in the Cook Islands
Client: · Year: 2024
Te Puna Vai Mārama conducted a national opinion poll in September 2024 to understand Cook Islands residents’ knowledge and views on seabed mining exploration and industrial-scale seabed mining. TPVM designed and administered the poll and analysed the responses to provide an evidence base on community perspectives. The results indicated substantial opposition to industrial-scale seabed mining, alongside greater uncertainty around exploration.
Development of a Sexual and Reproductive Health Policy, Strategy and Cost Implementation Plan for Cook Islands
Client: Te Marae Ora | Cook Islands Ministry of Health · Year: 2024
Te Puna Vai Mārama supported the development of a national Sexual and Reproductive Health Policy and Workplan through consultations, interviews and analysis of national data. TPVM drafted the policy framework, developed implementation and monitoring frameworks, and coordinated costing projections with external technical support. The resulting policy provides a framework for strengthening sexual and reproductive health planning and investment.
Survey of Tourism Attitudes of Residents
Client: Cook Islands Tourism Corporation · Year: 2024
Te Puna Vai Mārama conducted the Survey of Tourism Attitudes of Residents across Rarotonga and Aitutaki in October 2024. The survey explored residents’ views of tourism, including perceived impacts, visitor numbers and the extent to which tourism could expand. Findings showed that most residents remained supportive of tourism, with 71% of Rarotonga respondents and 85% of Aitutaki respondents viewing its overall impact positively.
Oral Histories of Older Cook Islands Women
Year: 2024
Te Puna Vai Mārama initiated a self-funded oral history project documenting the experiences of older Cook Islands women and exploring how their lives have been shaped by social and political change. The project uses interviews to capture women’s experiences from childhood through to later life and preserve their perspectives as part of the Cook Islands’ social history. TPVM was introduced to oral history methods in 2024, with interviews commencing in 2025.
Study of the Nonmarket Value of Muri Lagoon
Client: Asian Development Bank & Griffith University · Year: 2024
Te Puna Vai Mārama worked with the Asian Development Bank and Griffith University to explore the value residents and visitors place on protecting Muri Lagoon. TPVM hosted the research team and supported refinement of the survey through focus groups, before leading local data collection in November and December 2024. Around 560 responses were collected, with preliminary findings indicating strong support for lagoon protection and conservation.
Mid-Term Review of the Pacific Organic Learning Farm Network
Client: The Pacific Community | SPC · Year: 2024
Te Puna Vai Mārama contributed to the mid-term review of a regional Pacific Community project supporting farmer-to-farmer organic farming networks in Nauru, Fiji, Tonga and the Solomon Islands. The review examined progress towards strengthening climate resilience, food security, climate change adaptation and biodiversity conservation across the participating countries.
Rarotonga Southern Passages Environmental Management Plan
Partner: Te Ipukarea Society · Year: 2024
Te Puna Vai Mārama partnered with Te Ipukarea Society to develop an Environmental Management Plan for the southern Rarotonga passages, with a focus on turtle conservation and sustainable tourism. TPVM conducted face-to-face surveys with turtle tour operators and contributed to a briefing report and draft management plan addressing environmental, safety and tourism concerns in the area.
PHOAFS Regional Research Agenda: Cook Islands Farmers Adaptation to Climate Change Survey
Client: The Pacific Community | SPC · Year: 2024
Te Puna Vai Mārama worked with the Cook Islands Ministry of Agriculture to collect and analyse survey data on how farmers were adapting their crops and production systems to changing climatic conditions. We gathered 174 responses and contributed to a regional data analysis workshop in Fiji, helping partners build their capacity to analyse their own national datasets. The Cook Islands findings subsequently contributed to two journal articles published in 2026.
2023
Scoping an Interoperable e-CRVS System for the Cook Islands
Year: 2023
Te Puna Vai Mārama served as the national coordination hub for work exploring the digitisation of civil registration and vital statistics in the Cook Islands. TPVM coordinated workshops with government stakeholders, examined the existing paper-based system and documented potential pathways towards an interoperable electronic system. We also prepared a report on the digitisation process and supported the development of a Cabinet submission for the first phase of implementation.
Mapping of Organisations and Groups with GAPSED+ Focus in the Pacific
Client: Fred Hollows Foundation · Year: 2023
Te Puna Vai Mārama conducted a regional mapping exercise for the Fred Hollows Foundation to identify organisations and groups working to address inequity across selected Pacific Island countries. TPVM collated information into a directory and contacted organisations across Fiji, Kiribati, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, Tuvalu and Nauru to validate the information.
In-depth Gender Analysis of Climate Services in Rarotonga
Te Puna Vai Mārama conducted the Cook Islands component of a Pacific-wide study examining gender differences in access to climate and weather services and information. TPVM designed and administered a survey in March and April 2023, collecting 291 responses, and analysed the data with a focus on gender differences in access and experiences.
Turanga Memeitaki no to tatou Ora'anga - Wellbeing 4 Life
Client: Office of the Prime Minister · Year: 2023
Te Puna Vai Mārama contributed to the evidence base for the Cook Islands’ Wellbeing 4 Life initiative. Our work included reviewing literature on Indigenous Pacific conceptualisations and models of wellbeing and developing a proposed matrix of wellbeing indicators informed by evidence and best practice. The work supported planning for the implementation of the national wellbeing initiative.
Women Leaders in Oceans Governance
Year: 2023
Te Puna Vai Mārama senior research fellow Merita Tuari'i undertook research exploring the experiences of women working in oceans governance. The project used interviews with women working in the sector to better understand the challenges they face and the factors shaping their participation and leadership. Data collection was completed, with analysis and publication development progressing from 2024 onwards.
Community Satisfaction with Cook Islands Public Services Survey
Client: Office of the Public Service Commissioner · Year: 2023
Te Puna Vai Mārama worked with the Office of the Public Service Commissioner to develop and administer a national Community Satisfaction Survey. The survey measured public awareness, service use, expectations and satisfaction with government services through both online and in-person data collection. A total of 691 responses were collected, which TPVM processed and analysed to identify priority areas for public sector service improvement.
2022
Elimination of Cervical Cancer in Four Countries in the Pacific
Client: UNFPA · Year: 2022
Te Puna Vai Mārama was commissioned by UNFPA to contribute evidence for policies and strategies supporting the elimination of cervical cancer in Samoa, Tonga, Solomon Islands and the Marshall Islands. Our work included desk research, in-country consultations and validation workshops across the four countries during 2022 and 2023, contributing to the development of four policy documents
Measuring the Wellbeing of Tourism-Reliant Communities in the South Pacific During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Partner: Massey University · Year: 2022
Te Puna Vai Mārama supported the Cook Islands component of a Massey University study examining wellbeing in tourism-dependent Pacific communities during the COVID-19 pandemic. TPVM collected 50 survey responses during the second phase of the study, following the reopening of international tourism, contributing to research examining how communities adapted to the return of tourism.
Strengthening Research and Innovation Ecosystems to Address the Impact of Climate Change in the Pacific
Year: 2022
Te Puna Vai Mārama contributed to a regional initiative focused on strengthening Pacific research and innovation systems for climate change. In the first phase, TPVM developed a database of climate-related research, innovation and key organisations in the Cook Islands. The work aimed to strengthen connections between researchers and organisations and support a more coherent regional vision for climate-related research and innovation.